Complexation of Uranium(VI) by Gluconate in Acidic Solutions: a Thermodynamic Study with Structural Analysis

Within the pC(H) range of 2.5 to 4.2, gluconate forms three uranyl complexes UO(2)(GH4)(+), UO(2)(GH(3))(aq), and UO(2)(GH(3))(GH(4))(-), through the following reactions: (1) UO(2)(2+) + GH(4)(-) = UO(2)(GH(4))(+), (2) UO(2)(2+) + GH(4)(-) = UO(2)(GH(3))(aq) + H(+), and (3) UO(2)(2+) + 2GH(4)(-) = UO(2)(GH(3))(GH(4))(-) + H(+). Complexes were inferred from potentiometric, calorimetric, NMR, and EXAFS studies. Correspondingly, the stability constants and enthalpies were determined to be log beta(1) = 2.2 +/- 0.3 and Delta H(1) = 7.5 +/- 1.3 kJ mol(-1) for reaction (1), log beta(2) = -(0.38 +/- 0.05) and Delta H(2) = 15.4 +/- 0.3 kJ mol(-1) for reaction (2), and log beta(3) = 1.3 +/- 0.2 and Delta H(3) = 14.6 +/- 0.3 kJ mol(-1) for reaction (3), at I = 1.0 M NaClO(4) and t = 25 degrees C. The UO(2)(GH(4))(+) complex forms through the bidentate carboxylate binding to U(VI). In the UO(2)(GH(3))(aq) complex, hydroxyl-deprotonated gluconate (GH(3)(2-)) coordinates to U(VI) through the five-membered ring chelation. For the UO(2)(GH(3))(GH(4))(-) complex, multiple coordination modes are suggested. These results are discussed in the context of trivalent and pentavalent actinide complexation by gluconate.